Some whiplash injuries heal on their own with minimal treatment. However, such injuries can develop long-term problems. MRIs can help predict whether an injury is severe enough, and can help you receive the right treatment from the start to prevent future complications. Most whiplash injuries are self-diagnosable, but are not always self-treatable. Most people fully recover from whiplash during the first few months, but approximately 25% have long-term pain and disability that can last anywhere from a few months to years.
MRI imaging allows medical experts to predict within the first or second week of injury whether a victim will develop chronic pain, disability, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This allows doctors to treat those patients who require such attention early on with more specialized treatment to avoid long-term complications. Before an accident, the spine is normally aligned in an elongated C-shape. MRIs can help determine whether you have significant damage in your spinal cord, where the x-ray would reveal an S-shaped spine. This suggests misalignment of the spine, which can cause long-term issues if left untreated.
Most whiplash treatment begins with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice. However, when pain persists, treatments such as physical therapy, prescription medications, or injections in the neck can help. The most important thing to remember is to seek medical care immediately after an accident to avoid losing your benefits. Medical treatment will be covered by PIP insurance, only if you first report an injury within the first 14 days of an accident in Florida. These laws vary by state; for example, you have 30 days in New York to report a PIP claim.
Symptoms of whiplash:
- Mild to severe pain in the neck and shoulders
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Difficulty focusing
- Headaches
- Muscle spasms
- Nerve injury
- Sensation of pain and needles
- Stiff neck
- Tenderness
Therapies:
- Chiropractic treatment techniques
- Stretching
- Physical therapy
- Massage
With over 75 medical facilities in our network all over Florida, we’ve got the perfect one at your convenience. Whether you’re comfortable treating, close to your home, place of work, school, or family/friend’s house, we’ve got you covered.